Ning Rongrong's expression was practically written all over her face.
How sharp was Ning Fengzhi?
With just a glance, he could roughly piece together the situation. Then, noticing Tang Lan's less-than-pleased demeanor, he sighed inwardly.
Silly Rongrong!
If you're acting like this, did you ever consider how Tang Lan might feel?
His tone immediately became more firm: "Rongrong!"
Ning Rongrong pouted but reluctantly agreed.
Only then did Ning Fengzhi's expression ease.
With a flash of light in his hand,
he took out eight brocade pouches and lifted them with his soul power,
delivering them to Zhu Zhuqing and the others.
"Each contains three pieces of thousand-year whale gelatin—the maximum enhancement limit, as Brother Lan mentioned."
"Brother Lan, take Xiao Wu's share as well."
Tang Lan accepted without hesitation.
Glancing at Tang San, who was grinning ear to ear, he felt a bit of regret—this opportunity, he couldn't snatch away.
Otherwise, his "good elder brother" persona would crumble.
Oh well.
At least Tang San could get a taste of the benefits, making it easier to squeeze more out of him later.
Seeing Tang Lan accept it,
the others followed suit and took their pouches.
"Thank you, Sect Master Ning!" Dai Mubai said politely.
"I even got a share? Sect Master Ning, you're too kind," Zhao Wuji chuckled.
"Ning Sect Master, I already consumed three pieces before—this is too much!" Oscar said modestly, but his hands were quick to take it.
Unexpectedly,
Yu Xiaogang suddenly said, "If there's extra, why not give it to me?"
Having cultivated the Nine Yang Divine Art, he now had renewed hope for the future.
He wanted to enhance himself as well, so he could acquire a better third soul ring!
Oscar hesitated, looking toward Tang Lan and Tang San.
—This old man just asks for things outright?
"My oversight," Ning Fengzhi responded tactfully. "However, thousand-year whale gelatin is extremely rare, and only eight portions were set aside in advance. If Master doesn't mind, I do have some hundred-year whale gelatin. Please accept it."
With another wave of his hand,
a few weathered pieces of small whale gelatin floated over to Yu Xiaogang.
—Yu Xiaogang had joined Tang Sect too late.
As the master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi had countless subordinates in need of these resources.
These eight shares had been reserved well in advance.
After the Tang Sect Encyclopedia was published, thousand-year whale gelatin became incredibly scarce.
Even he had no extra stock left.
Yu Xiaogang understood the logic.
But looking at those hundred-year gelatin pieces, he still felt dissatisfied.
Thousand-year whale gelatin was far superior!
But since it was a gift, he couldn't be too ungrateful.
"Then I'll thank Sect Master Ning for his generosity," Yu Xiaogang said politely.
Ning Fengzhi smiled indifferently, unconcerned.
After the Tang Sect Encyclopedia spread, Yu Xiaogang's title of "Grandmaster" was essentially worthless.
If not for Tang Lan, Ning Fengzhi wouldn't have even acknowledged him.
"Brother Lan, I'll take my leave for now," Ning Fengzhi said. "Drop by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect later to see the Blue Silver Kings."
Tang Lan nodded in agreement.
Ning Fengzhi took Ning Rongrong, who was unwilling to leave, and departed the hotel.
Chen Xin lingered for a moment, giving Tang Lan a knowing smile.
"Xiao Lan, that matter you mentioned—it's been arranged."
"But he isn't in Heaven Dou City at the moment. You'll have to wait a month to see him."
Tang Lan nodded courteously.
"I appreciate the trouble, Uncle Jian."
"No trouble at all—we're family."
With that,
he leaped onto the Seven Killing Sword and caught up with Ning Fengzhi.
Tang San immediately moved closer to Tang Lan.
"Brother, what exactly did you discuss with the Crown Prince?" Tang San asked eagerly.
Clearly, he was fishing for benefits.
Tang Lan, unimpressed, flicked his forehead.
"Focus on absorbing the whale gelatin first. Don't bite off more than you can chew."
Tang San rubbed his forehead and grinned sheepishly.
He wasn't worried—he knew his big brother wouldn't shortchange him.
"Alright, we've been traveling non-stop. Rest well tonight," Tang Lan announced. "You have three days off—feel free to do as you please."
"Whoohoo—Long live the Sect Master!" Oscar cheered.
Dai Mubai and the others also looked visibly relieved.
These past few days had been exhausting!
Tang Lan waved a hand dismissively and returned to his room.
Naturally, he was given the most luxurious royal suite.
Throwing himself onto the massive bed,
his breathing quickly steadied,
and he drifted into sleep.
These days had been tiring for him too.
Even with various recovery methods, they mainly targeted the body—
But what about mental fatigue?
Tonight, he would finally get some real rest.
Mental fatigue is the hardest to ease.
However—
This night was destined to be anything but peaceful.
Midnight.
A graceful figure landed lightly on the balcony, stepping forward with catlike movements. She passed through the open door and arrived beside Tang Lan's bed.
At that moment,
Tang Lan opened his eyes.
The first thing he saw—
was an astonishing fullness.
It was Zhu Zhuqing.
Right now,
her usually cold face was tinged with a faint blush, her eyes misty and alluring, as if they could hook a man's soul.
Tang Lan immediately understood.
This was the "side effect" of consuming whale gelatin.
"You… what are you doing?" Tang Lan feigned ignorance.
But Zhu Zhuqing had already come this far—clearly, she had steeled her resolve.
"I'm here for dual cultivation." Zhu Zhuqing stated plainly. "Just like Xiao Wu, I want to cultivate with you."
She spoke such bold and suggestive words
in the same cold, emotionless tone as always.
Tang Lan couldn't help but feel a sense of achievement!
Ha!
Even the Ice Queen bows before my charm!
But—
Just like Xiao Wu?
Did Zhu Zhuqing misunderstand something?
Tang Lan didn't bother explaining.
Instead, he wrapped his arms around her slender waist, rolled over, and pinned her onto the bed.
—A beauty delivering herself to the doorstep, how could he possibly refuse?
Next Morning.
Zhu Zhuqing, who hadn't slept all night,
fled through the balcony with a strange mix of shyness and embarrassment in her eyes.
Leaving behind Tang Lan, who looked thoroughly satisfied.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk!"
An outwardly cold but secretly passionate little kitty—truly top-tier!
All his accumulated exhaustion from the past few days was swept away.
Tang Lan got up, freshened up quickly,
then leaped off the balcony,
heading toward Blue Tyrant Academy according to the map.
Blue Tyrant Academy.
Though its campus was only one-third the size of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, its value far surpassed the latter.
After all—
This was Heaven Dou City!
The imperial capital of Heaven Dou Empire.
One of the most prosperous cities on Douluo Continent.
Tang Lan looked around at the flourishing scene, feeling quite satisfied.
At the same time, he was already making plans.
I need to buy the surrounding land and expand the academy further.
That should be enough for the Tang Sect's early development.
As he was lost in thought—
A fragrant breeze wafted toward him,
and a petite beauty appeared in front of him.
She had shoulder-length, wine-red hair and deep blue eyes that stared straight at him.
But what stood out the most—
was her daring outfit.
Her curvaceous figure was showcased without any hesitation.
A perfect example of wealth and generosity.
Unfortunately—
Having just been "baptized" by Zhu Zhuqing,
this little girl in front of him suddenly seemed less impressive.
"You must be a new student, right?" The generous girl smiled seductively. "My name is Jiang Zhu. What's yours? What class are you in?"
Tang Lan's eyes lit up in recognition.
Jiang Zhu—
The school beauty of Blue Tyrant Academy.
Her martial soul was a Healing Staff, making her the future Shrek Team's only healing-type soul master.
Because of her bold fashion choices, wealth, and generosity, she had many admirers.
So—
Was she drawn in by his good looks and trying to make a move on him?
(End of Chapter)